An estimated 24,000 members of the LDS Church from throughout central and western Canada and northern Montana are expected to attend rededication ceremonies for the Alberta Temple this weekend, concluding Monday.
Twelve sessions, four each day beginning Saturday, mark the event. President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is presiding."We feel as we are gathered here in the presence of the Lord in these sacred premises. Surely this is a great and wonderful day for all of us," President Hinckley said during the first session Saturday.
Other general authorities in attendance include Council of the Twelve President Howard W. Hunter, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve, Young Women's General President Ardeth G. Kapp, Relief Society General President Elaine L. Jack and President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency.
"This is an opportunity today to rededicate ourselves as we rededicate this temple," President Monson said. "Let us examine our lives and make that improvement where improvement needs to be made."
The temple was originally dedicated in 1923 and has been closed the past three years for extensive renovation. About 101,000 people went through the temple prior to the dedication in an open house June 6-15.